Festivals and Events in New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant culture and celebration of everything from music to food to history.

Here are some of the most popular festivals and events:

Mardi Gras:

  • The Big One: Mardi Gras itself, a city-wide explosion of parades, parties, costumes, and revelry.
  • Dates: The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (in 2024, that’s February 13th)
  • Highlights: Elaborate floats, parades with marching bands and dance troupes, masked balls, elaborate costumes, and the unique tradition of throwing beads from the floats.

Other Festivals:

  • French Quarter Festival: Free music festival celebrating the diverse musical heritage of New Orleans.

    • Dates: Typically held in the spring (usually April)
    • Highlights: Over 1,000 local musicians performing on multiple stages throughout the French Quarter.

  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest): Multi-genre music festival with a focus on New Orleans jazz and culture.

    • Dates: Late spring (usually late April/early May)
    • Highlights: Renowned musical acts, both local and international, alongside Louisiana cuisine, art, and crafts.

  • Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: A multi-day music festival featuring a mix of genres including rock, alternative, electronic, and hip-hop.

    • Dates: Halloween weekend (typically late October)
    • Highlights: Multiple stages with headlining acts from diverse genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Beyond Festivals:

While festivals are a highlight, New Orleans offers a plethora of events throughout the year:

  • Festivals & Events:

    • French Quarter Fest: A celebration of all things New Orleans music and culture.

    • Frenchmen Street: Immerse yourself in the heart of live music, with clubs offering diverse genres from jazz to blues to rockabilly.

    • Second Line Parades: Experience the joy of traditional New Orleans brass bands leading a parade through the streets.

    • French Quarter Fest: A city-wide celebration of New Orleans culture with a focus on local musicians and artists.

  • Local Music:

    • Jazz: Explore the rich history of jazz at Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat, or Tipitina’s.
    • Brass Bands: Catch a traditional brass band performance in the French Quarter – they often hold impromptu parades.

  • Cultural Experiences:

    • French Market: A historic marketplace with fresh produce, souvenirs, and live music and entertainment.

    • Street Performers: Enjoy the street performers who are a staple of New Orleans culture.

  • Neighborhood Festivals & Events:

    • Frenchmen Street: Experience the vibrant energy of this cultural hub.

    • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest): A world-famous festival that brings together music lovers from across the globe.

Why So Many Events?

New Orleans is known for its “festival spirit” and love of celebration. This stems from:

  • Cultural Diversity: New Orleans has a rich mix of cultures, which influences the variety and frequency of its events.
  • Love of Music: The city’s deep musical roots mean there are always opportunities to catch a live music performance or explore local music venues.

More than just Mardi Gras:

New Orleans offers numerous cultural events throughout the year beyond its famous Carnival season, showcasing its diverse heritage and vibrant arts scene.

  • Neighborhood Festivals: These celebrate specific neighborhoods or communities with unique food, music, and traditions.

  • Food & Drink Events: Explore festivals like the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) and the New Orleans Cocktail Festival.

  • Cultural Events:

    • French Quarter Festival: Experience the French Quarter’s cultural events.

    • Neighborhood Events: Enjoy a variety of events, including:

      • Second Line Parades: A chance to enjoy the unique “second line” tradition of dancing and celebrating behind a brass band.

Beyond the Basics:

New Orleans is a city that thrives on its connection to music, history, and community. Its cultural calendar is filled with celebrations of all sorts, from food festivals and art walks to parades and concerts.

  • Second Line Parade:

    • Dates: Second Sunday in October (Second Line season)
    • Description: A joyful tradition where attendees dance and follow a parade route led by a brass band.

  • Cultural Events: Explore festivals like the New Orleans Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world.

  • Events Beyond Frenchmen Street:

    • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (other events):
      • The city’s festivals aren’t just on Frenchmen Street! Look for local parades, concerts, and other celebrations happening in different neighborhoods throughout the year.

  • Local Festivals: New Orleans hosts numerous festivals that celebrate its rich cultural tapestry.

The French Quarter and beyond:

* **Festivals:**
    * **French Market:** A historic marketplace with a vibrant second line parade scene. 
    * **Other Events:**
        * **French Quarter Festival:**
            * **Music:** Enjoy the diverse music offerings of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's "New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival"
            * **Food:** Savor the flavors of New Orleans at events like the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) in the spring, and other smaller food festivals throughout the year.

* **Second Line Events:**

Unique to the City:

The “second line” is a tradition unique to New Orleans. It’s not just about the parades; it’s about the spirit of celebration and community.

Music:

  • French Quarter Festival (various dates): Immerse yourself in the city’s renowned music scene by experiencing events beyond the French Quarter, like the “French Quarter Fest” celebrations.
  • New Orleans Music & Heritage Foundation Events: Enjoy live performances at local venues, including the New Orleans Jazz & Food Festival, which features a variety of musical genres and takes place annually.

Music & Culture Festivals:

  • Local events: Seek out smaller festivals like the “Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival” or the “New Orleans Jazz Fest,” which are great for discovering new music and experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.
  • Music is a constant: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year, showcasing different genres.

Celebrating Music & Culture:

The French Quarter Festival on Frenchmen Street is an event not to be missed. It celebrates all that makes New Orleans special: its music, food, and culture.

  • Festivals are a key part of the local experience:
  • You’ll find live music venues across the city hosting “Second Line” events, which often feature free concerts or performances.

Beyond the typical tourist fare:

The “second line” spirit extends to many other events in New Orleans:

  • Second lines for parades:

Think of the excitement and joy of a full-blown “New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” celebration.

  • Local communities: Many neighborhoods have their own “second line” traditions, which are a great way to experience the local culture.